Not everything belongs in a dumpster—and some items cost extra.
This guide breaks down what’s accepted, what isn’t, and what to do with hazardous waste in the HRM.
With every dumpster, we deliver:
Single delivery and pickup
7-day rental period
Easy-access walk-in doors
Driveway protection system
Sweep-up service after pickup
Upfront pricing, no hidden fees
Disposal Facilities
There are two types of waste management facilities in the HRM, the landfill and the construction recycling centre.
Otter Lake Landfill
The landfill doesn’t accept construction materials, recyclables, or yard waste. If your bin is mixed, it has to go to C+D (and the disposal cost goes up).
Furniture, Mattresses & Breakables
Couches, chairs, tables, mattresses, bedframes, desks, dressers, broken glass, mirrors, dishes, ceramics
Clothing, Textiles & Soft Goods
Clothes, shoes, blankets, pillows, towels, curtains, rugs, linens
Toys, Decor & Household Items
Toys, board games, wall art, picture frames, lamps, baskets, vases
Household Appliances
Toasters, kettles, coffee makers, fans, gaming consoles, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, washers, dryers
(No freon appliances—see hazardous list)
Plastic & Disposable Waste
Plastic chairs, bins, coolers, disposable coffee cups and lids (even if labeled compostable), styrofoam, laminated paper, food wrappers
Outdoor Items & Equipment
Bikes, scooters, drained lawnmowers, BBQs with propane removed, plastic pools, patio furniture, tools
C+D Recycling
Special rates apply if your bin contains only one material type (such as treated wood, shingles, or clean fill). Let us know what’s going in the bin, and we’ll guide you to the most cost-effective option.
This site also accepts household garbage, but disposal fees depend on how much is mixed in. The more construction material in the bin, the lower your disposal cost. The more landfill garbage, the higher the rate.
Construction Materials
Ceiling tile, metal, vinyl, plastic, glass, insulation, styrofoam, drywall, carpet, laminate, tile, underlay, windows, doors, siding
Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood, painted wood, plywood
Roofing Shingles
Asphalt shingles, tar paper, nails, tar & gravel roofing
Yard Waste
Clean wood, brush, leaves, grass clippings
Landscaping Materials
Asphalt, concrete, brick, soil, sod
Fixtures & Appliances
Toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwashers, stoves, washers, dryers, light fixtures, doors, trim, shelving, cabinets
(No freon appliances—see hazardous list)
Hazardous Materials
The following items are considered hazardous. Some incur additional charges while others will be rejected from the facility. Rejected items will be returned to the customer.
You will be charged per item for the following:
Tires
Car and truck tires, ATV and dirt bike tires, tractor and equipment tires, trailer tires
Tip: Most local garages accept up to four passenger vehicle tires at no cost.
Paint Cans & Propane Tanks
Paint cans and aerosols (unless completely empty or dry), small or large propane tanks
Tip: You can take these to the Household Special Waste depot in Bayers Lake for free.
Freon Appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, water coolers
Tip: The city can remove the freon for free and will tag the item—then you can put it in a bin or leave it out on garbage day.
These items are not accepted at the dump:
Fuels and Chemicals
Gasoline, oils, transmission fluid, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, herbicides
Explosive Waste
Ammunition, fireworks, flares
Asbestos & Vermiculite
Any quantity of asbestos or vermiculite, even bagged
Electronics, Batteries & Fluorescent Bulbs
TVs, computers, monitors, batteries, CFL and fluorescent bulbs
Items Soaked With or Containing Oil
Railway ties, lawnmowers (unless fully drained of gas and oil), oil tanks (unless cut in half and completely drained)
Perishable & Biohazardous Waste
Perishable and non-perishable food, used diapers, pet waste, cat litter, medical waste
Looking to dispose of hazardous materials?
You can drop off many items for free at the Halifax Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake. The facility accepts paint, chemicals, aerosols, propane, and more.
Questions? We'll help you sort it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dumpsters accept most household garbage, construction debris, and yard waste—like furniture, clothes, appliances (without freon), wood, drywall, shingles, and more. Each disposal facility has specific rules about what they don’t accept, so be sure to check our full disposal guide for all the details.
Some materials aren’t allowed in dumpsters or come with extra fees because they’re hazardous. This includes tires, paint cans that aren’t empty, propane tanks, freon appliances (like fridges), chemicals, pesticides, batteries, electronics, asbestos, and more. If these items end up in a dumpster, you might face extra charges, or the items could be returned to you.
Otter Lake Landfill and C+D Recycling charge extra fees for some hazardous materials, while others are not accepted at all. Many hazardous items like paint, chemicals, propane tanks, and aerosols can be dropped off for free at the Halifax Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake. The city provides free freon removal for appliances—once they’ve tagged the item, you can leave it out on your garbage day or place it in a dumpster.
Yes, you can mix them in one dumpster, but this will make disposal fees higher than if you keep them separate. If you’re unsure about what you have or want to understand how disposal works, check out our disposal guide or give us a call, we’re happy to explain how it all works!
You can put tires and propane tanks in our dumpsters, but be aware that the dump charges extra fees per item. For tires, many local garages will accept up to four passenger vehicle tires for free—just give them a quick call to confirm. Propane tanks can be dropped off for free at the Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake.
Yes, most household appliances like stoves, washers, dryers, and dishwashers can go in dumpsters. Just remember, appliances with freon (like fridges and dehumidifiers) need special handling and aren’t accepted unless the freon is removed. The city offers free freon removal from appliances—just have them tag it, then you can leave it out on your garbage day or put it in your bin.